In Goffman's article, Presentation of Self. Goffman's main argument seems to be that we are players in the social world and that we are always performing as we ought to be rather than being who we think we are. Goffman's says there are two ways that we communicate. The first way we interact in the social world is by the expression we give which is usually verbal communication and the other is the expression we give off which relates to the nonverbal context of conversation. Goffman says that we do what he calls facework. With facework there are two concepts called lines and face. Lines are the nonverbal and verbal cues a person uses to express their views. And face which is the social value one owns by the line he has chose in society. With facework the person obviously wants to convinced others what the actor is portraying through interaction. Goffman Aldo talks about aggressive use of facework in which someone's verbal and/or nonverbal communication does not match what they are saying. This disruption can occur in our daily interactions if we are putting up a front.
So, to illustrate lines and face with the rules of facework I will create a short story to convey these ideas.
It's Monday morning at 7am and Sam has an interview at a local supermarket near his house at 8am. This is Nick's first job interview since turning 16 years old. His mom Sandy calls out to his room from the kitchen downstairs.
"Sam! It's 7 o'clock, your interview is at 8am shouldn't you be getting ready".
Some inaudible noises are delivered back to Sandy from Nick's room. So she assumes he's getting ready. After all this will be his first summer job if he is hired.
Sandy distracted by the morning soaps on television noticed its fifteen minutes to 8 and Nick has not left. Again she yells to him tells him what time it is and where he needs to be. Nick jumps out of bed, throws the first sight of clothing on he sees, jumps on his bike and peddles as fast as he can to the supermarket for his interview. He arrives at 815am. He asks a clerk for the manager evolving he has an interview. The manager comes out with a clipboard. Looks down at the paper and says, "Nick Washington?
"Yes, that's me.
"Follow me. Your interview was at 8am, you wrote on your resume that you were punctual and dependable, how so?" Nick sunk inside the chair as he say across from the manager. "Umm I had an emergency this morning but surely I am." Nick is looking at his feet as he is responding. "I consider myself a professional. I was captain of the baseball team for two years when I started high school. " The manager looks at Nick I'm a peculiar way. Nick has on blue jeans and a collar shirt that is begging for an iron.
The manager says to Nick. I'm sorry but I can't offer you the job.
Nick retorts, "why not?" Son, I'm sorry but as Goffman would suggest, your lines don't match your face.
Confused Nick replied, "huh,Goffman? Lines? What lines? And what's wrong with my face?"
The manager elaborated as he gestured for Nick to follow him to exit the supermarket. " here's a lesson always make sure that what you say about yourself or how you portray yourself in life is always consistent. You told me in your resume that you were reliable, yet arrived late for your interview. You told me you were professional yet, you look quite disheveled. You also answered all my questions while looking down at your feet. Your words just didn't line up with your actions and I'm not convinced that you are who you say you are.
Having learned a new lesson Nick rode his bike home reluctant to deliver the bad news to his mom.
In conclusion I as Goffman agrees that your lines must match your face as you are presenting yourself to the social world.
So, to illustrate lines and face with the rules of facework I will create a short story to convey these ideas.
It's Monday morning at 7am and Sam has an interview at a local supermarket near his house at 8am. This is Nick's first job interview since turning 16 years old. His mom Sandy calls out to his room from the kitchen downstairs.
"Sam! It's 7 o'clock, your interview is at 8am shouldn't you be getting ready".
Some inaudible noises are delivered back to Sandy from Nick's room. So she assumes he's getting ready. After all this will be his first summer job if he is hired.
Sandy distracted by the morning soaps on television noticed its fifteen minutes to 8 and Nick has not left. Again she yells to him tells him what time it is and where he needs to be. Nick jumps out of bed, throws the first sight of clothing on he sees, jumps on his bike and peddles as fast as he can to the supermarket for his interview. He arrives at 815am. He asks a clerk for the manager evolving he has an interview. The manager comes out with a clipboard. Looks down at the paper and says, "Nick Washington?
"Yes, that's me.
"Follow me. Your interview was at 8am, you wrote on your resume that you were punctual and dependable, how so?" Nick sunk inside the chair as he say across from the manager. "Umm I had an emergency this morning but surely I am." Nick is looking at his feet as he is responding. "I consider myself a professional. I was captain of the baseball team for two years when I started high school. " The manager looks at Nick I'm a peculiar way. Nick has on blue jeans and a collar shirt that is begging for an iron.
The manager says to Nick. I'm sorry but I can't offer you the job.
Nick retorts, "why not?" Son, I'm sorry but as Goffman would suggest, your lines don't match your face.
Confused Nick replied, "huh,Goffman? Lines? What lines? And what's wrong with my face?"
The manager elaborated as he gestured for Nick to follow him to exit the supermarket. " here's a lesson always make sure that what you say about yourself or how you portray yourself in life is always consistent. You told me in your resume that you were reliable, yet arrived late for your interview. You told me you were professional yet, you look quite disheveled. You also answered all my questions while looking down at your feet. Your words just didn't line up with your actions and I'm not convinced that you are who you say you are.
Having learned a new lesson Nick rode his bike home reluctant to deliver the bad news to his mom.
In conclusion I as Goffman agrees that your lines must match your face as you are presenting yourself to the social world.